Ahmad al-Khubail, a top commander of the Deir Ezzor Military Council (DMC), has survived an assassination attempt.
Al-Khabil’s SUV was struck with an improvised explosive device as it was passing in the district of al-Nashuah in the southern part of the northeastern city of al-Hasakah on October 31. The North Press Agency reported that no one was injured or killed in the attack.
The DMC is the military branch of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in Deir Ezzor, a governorate with an Arab majority.
Before 2011, al-Khbail, who is also known as “Abu Khaula,” was imprisoned by Syrian authorities for grand theft auto. As the war began, he joined the Syrian opposition in Deir Ezzor and formed his own militia, that was allegedly involved in stealing and extortion.
“We wish a speedy recovery of the leader of the [Deir Ezzor Military] Council, Abu Khawla, and affirm our commitment to pursue terrorist cells which are targeting the security and safety of our regions and our people,” Commander-in-Chief of the SDF, Ferhat Abdi Şahin, said on Twitter after the assassination attempt.
Last September, al-Khubail was officially disowned by his tribe, Al Bakir, for acting as a “tool” for the SDF in Deir Ezzor and oppressing locals there.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack on al-Khbail yet. ISIS may have been behind the attack. Nonetheless, pro-government groups, who were behind the assassination attempt, that targeted the DMC spokesman in September are also the suspect.
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its a sad day for all of us decent folks…